What Are Fire Ants?
Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are an aggressive, invasive species well-established throughout North Carolina. These reddish-brown ants are small (1–5 mm) but are known for their painful, burning stings. Their mounds are distinctive dome-shaped piles of loose soil that can reach 18 inches high and 24 inches across.
Habitat & Behavior
Fire ant stings produce immediate burning pain followed by itchy pustules that can last for days. Multiple stings are common because fire ants swarm aggressively when their mound is disturbed. In rare cases, stings can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) requiring emergency medical attention.
Fire ants build mounds in sunny, open areas such as lawns, pastures, playgrounds, and along roads. They are especially dangerous to young children, elderly individuals, and outdoor pets. Mounds often appear after rain when ants push soil to the surface to repair their tunnels.
Prevention & Control
Individual mound treatments with approved insecticides provide fast results for specific problem areas. For broader yard control, broadcast bait applications in spring and fall are most effective—ants carry the bait back to the colony, eventually killing the queen. Professional treatment is recommended for properties with multiple mounds or for sensitive areas like playgrounds and pet areas.